We in the Western Church tend to think that Christ doesn’t want us to suffer. We twist the Scriptures and ignore verses concerning suffering by saying they were fulfilled in the first century. I think this is why we have so much trouble interpreting the book of Revelation. We can’t understand a Jesus that would put us through suffering, so we distort it to say that we’ll be taken away in a ‘Secret Rapture’ before the Tribulation comes.

The Bible clearly teaches that suffering comes into our lives in order to purify our faith and refine our character. In fact, we would not be true Christians if we never suffered. Our faith would be shallow and unfruitful. Look at some of these Scriptures concerning suffering:

“Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have gained access by faith into this grace in which we now stand. And we rejoice in the hope of the glory of God. Not only so, but we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out his love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom he has given us.” (Romans 5:1-5)

“The Spirit himself testifies with our spirit that we are God’s children. Now if we are children, then we are heirs—heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ, if indeed we share in his sufferings in order that we may also share in his glory.” (Romans 8:16,17)

“Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance.” (James 1:2-3)

“Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial, because when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him.” (James 1:12)

“In bringing many sons to glory, it was fitting that God, for whom and through whom everything exists, should make the author of their salvation perfect through suffering.” (Hebrews 2:10)

“Slaves, submit yourselves to your masters with all respect, not only to those who are good and considerate, but also to those who are harsh. For it is commendable if a man bears up under the pain of unjust suffering because he is conscious of God.” (1 Peter 2:18-19)

“Dear friends, do not be surprised at the painful trial you are suffering, as though something strange were happening to you. But rejoice that you participate in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed when his glory is revealed. If you are insulted because of the name of Christ, you are blessed, for the Spirit of glory and of God rests on you. If you suffer, it should not be as a murderer or thief or any other kind of criminal, or even as a meddler. However, if you suffer as a Christian, do not be ashamed, but praise God that you bear that name. For it is time for judgment to begin with the family of God; and if it begins with us, what will the outcome be for those who do not obey the gospel of God?” (1 Peter 4:12-17)

“Be self-controlled and alert. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. Resist him, standing firm in the faith, because you know that your brothers throughout the world are undergoing the same kind of sufferings.” (1 Peter 5:8-9)

“Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.” (Matthew 5:10-12)

Finally, here’s one from Revelation itself:

“Then one of the elders asked me, “These in white robes—who are they, and where did they come from?” I answered, “Sir, you know.” And he said, “These are they who have come out of the great tribulation; they have washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb. Therefore, “they are before the throne of God and serve him day and night in his temple; and he who sits on the throne will spread his tent over them. Never again will they hunger; never again will they thirst. The sun will not beat upon them, nor any scorching heat. For the Lamb at the center of the throne will be their shepherd; he will lead them to springs of living water. And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes.” (Revelation 7:13-17)

If you skipped that whole block of Scripture, please go back and read it. I put all of these Scriptures in this post in full for a reason. Many Christians don’t understand why God puts us through suffering because they DON’T READ THE WORD OF GOD. Meditate on these Scriptures so you won’t be offended at God when you do go through suffering.

I tell you the truth, the Lord is going to send us through suffering. It is the only way to purify his Bride in preparation for the Wedding Feast of the Lamb. Tomorrow I’ll go into detail about what the Lord spoke to us in prayer on Saturday concerning suffering. Check back tomorrow. I want to give you time to meditate on these Scriptures and ask the Lord what he has to say on the subject. Please comment on what the Lord speaks to you in the Word.

“Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy.”

-Matthew 5:7

Many cry for mercy when they face judgment. Few show mercy to others when no one else is watching. However, the eyes of the Lord are everywhere, and “judgment without mercy will be shown to anyone who has not been merciful.” (James 2:13)

How do we show mercy? First, we must forgive our brothers and sisters when they wrong us. Bitterness and unforgiveness are cancer to our soul, and kill our spirit man. Having grace with others, and loving them as ourselves - this is the greatest commandment.

Secondly, we must have mercy with others for who they are. This means hanging out with the tax collectors and sinners of our day. Jesus loved the unlovely, and went out of His way to heal and save the lost.

Let us walk out our faith and have mercy on those who dont deserve it. We need to lay down our own conceptions of what we feel our rights are, and start living the way that Christ lived. Try to go out of your way to show mercy today.

“Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled.”

-Matthew 5:6

Here’s a profound thought: you will be full of what you consume. If you consume the things of this world, you will be full of them. If you are preoccupied with the cares of this life, it will consume your thoughts and emotions. However, if you long for Christ’s character to be made manifest in your life, then this too will be apparent. The Bible says that it is out of the heart that the mouth speaks. This is true.

What do you fill yourself up on? Music? TV? Movies? The Internet? we are a media-soaked generation. We need to delight ourselves in the richest of fare. The things the world has to offer are dung compared to the feast that the Lord has prepared for us. There is no ecstasy like being in the presence of God. Let us press on to know Him, because we know that only He can satisfy.